NW200: New DVD pays homage to golden decade

Robert Dunlop on the Oxford Products Hymac Ducati at the North West 200 in 1993.

Kyle White

Published:22:10Thursday 07 April 2016

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The makers of the BBC programme How The North West Was Won have revisited history to produce a new feature length DVD focusing on a golden era for the famous race in the 1990s.

The 90-minute programme comes on the back of the success of Joey Dunlop - The North West 200 Wins which covered the 1980s and was released last year.

Taking a close look at the period from 1990 to 1999, the DVD covers the big stories from that decade in great detail and features Robert Dunlop’s first appearance on the JPS Norton; Phillip McCallen’s record five wins in 1992; Carl Fogarty’s first victories in 1993 after years of trying; Robert Dunlop’s last treble in 1994; Owen McNally’s only success in 1997; Michael Rutter’s maiden wins in 1997; Robert Dunlop’s dramatic comeback in 1998 and David Jefferies’ 1999 hat-trick.

Using footage from a number of sources and many unpublished photographs together with the newspaper headlines, sourced from race coverage of the period in the News Letter, the programme makes for compelling viewing.

The DVD has been specially made to raise funds for the North West 200 and no fee has been charged by the producers or contributors in the making of the feature, which will be available to purchase via the official North West 200 website.

The DVD can also be bought during its premiere showing on Monday, May 9 at the NW200 paddock marquee.

Producer Colin James of Waldovision, said: “I am very grateful to the many people who helped make this fundraising programme by providing photographs, video and newspaper cuttings. Also to the 21 interviewees who give fascinating first-hand accounts of the racing in the 1990s.

“I appreciate the time Stephen Watson has given to narrate the story and I hope the programme is a financial success for the Coleraine Club as the main purpose is to raise funds to support the North West 200.”

Robert Dunlop, who remains the joint most successful rider ever in the history of the race with Alastair Seeley on 15 wins, features prominently during an era when the Ballymoney legend made his mark around the Triangle course.

Dunlop bagged a famous brace on the JPS Norton in 1990 and followed up with another win in 1991.

He also won both Superbike races on the Medd Honda RC45 in 1994, weeks before his career-changing crash at the Isle of Man TT. He also won four 125cc and 250cc races during the decade.